Originally Posted by tarwheel

The weight of a single component usually doesn't make much difference, but it all starts to add up pretty quickly. My touring bike weighed only about 22 lbs when built up with no fenders, rear rack, seat bags, etc. However, it weighs closer to 30 lbs when fenders, front and rear racks and other parts -- not even including panniers, water bottles, etc. I also took the rear rack off my touring bike when I was using it for commuting. Not only did it add more weight, but I found that it made the frame ride a lot stiffer. I'm using that bike for actual touring now, however, so I have reinstalled the rear rack, added a front rack, Brooks saddle, frame pump, etc. and it feels like it weighs a ton.